Michael Keaton has spoken publicly about his long-standing friendship with Catherine O’Hara, following the actress’s death aged 71 in January. He shared his reflections while attending Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals 2026 Man of the Year event in Cambridge, Massachusetts, describing her lasting impact on both his life and the wider comedy world.
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The actor recalled first admiring O’Hara through her work on the sketch series Second City Television in the 1970s, noting her early reputation for originality and sharp comedic instinct. He said their friendship developed naturally, aided by shared personal similarities, including coming from large families, and eventually extended beyond professional collaboration.
Keaton and O’Hara worked together on several projects over the years, most notably the 1988 film Beetlejuice, as well as Game 6 in 2005 and the Beetlejuice sequel released in 2024. He credited himself with recommending her for a role in Game 6, highlighting the professional trust and mutual respect that defined their working relationship.
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Following confirmation of her death, Keaton paid tribute to O’Hara publicly, describing her as a true friend as well as a frequent on-screen partner. Catherine O’Hara is survived by her husband, production designer Bo Welch, and their two adult sons. Her cause of death has not been disclosed.
